Epoetin Alfa

How do I say this name?

ee-POE-ee-tin AL-fuh

What is this medicine used for?

Epoetin alfa helps your body make red blood cells more quickly after chemotherapy and reduces the number of blood transfusions you need. Some people may take this medicine before surgery or to reverse anemia caused by kidney failure or zidovudine.

This medicine may be called by its brand names, Epogen^® or Procrit^®, or by the common name, erythropoietin.

How is this medicine given and how is it stored?

Epoetin alfa is injected under the skin or into the veins.

How do I store this medicine?

Store epoetin alfa in the refrigerator. Do not let the medicine freeze.

Are there any special things I should do while on this medicine?

Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications, especially medications which contain human albumin, like interferon alfa (Roferon-A^®, Intron A^®, or Alferon N^®), interferon beta (Avonex^®), anistreplase (Eminase^®), urokinase (Abbokinase^®), antihemophilic factor VIII (Monoclate P^®), immune globulin, respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin (RespiGam^®), cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CytoGam^®), and botulinum toxin (Botox^®). Some people with allergies to these products are also allergic to epoetin alfa because it contains human albumin.

Follow the instructions exactly if you give yourself injections of epoetin alfa. Each time you give yourself a shot:

• Do not shake the medicine before using it. Gently swirl the vial until the powder dissolves. Do not inject the medicine if it looks cloudy or has things floating in it.
• Use single-dose vials of medicine only once. Throw away any medicine left over after you open the vial. Single-dose vials have a capital "S" printed in the colored dot on the front left side of the label.
• Multiple-dose vials of medicine may be used many times, for up to 21 days after you open the vial. Store the medicine in the refrigerator in between doses. Multiple-dose vials have a capital "M" printed in the colored dot on the front left side of the label.
• Use disposable syringes marked in tenths of milliliters (it may say "cc" or "mL"). Use the disposable syringes and needles once and then discard them in a puncture-proof container. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist where to get the right type of container.

Inject the medicine in a different spot (on your hips, thighs, upper arms, or abdomen) every time so the medicine does not irritate the skin where you inject it.

Some people may get high blood pressure while they are taking epoetin alfa. If you already take medicine for high blood pressure or if your doctor starts you on blood pressure medication, be sure to follow instructions and take the medication regularly.

Some people may need to take iron tablets, to build up the iron in their body while they are taking epoetin alfa. If there isn't enough iron in your body, epoetin alfa cannot work as well. If your doctor starts you on iron tablets or other vitamins, be sure to take them regularly.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible if you skip or forget to inject a dose of epoetin alfa. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose but return to your regular schedule. Do not increase your dose to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects are common with this medicine?

• Fever
• Increased blood pressure
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Cough

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried about a side effect or have questions about your medical care.

Call the doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Skin rash, hives, or itching

Call the doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these side effects:

• Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site

These written patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about their chemotherapy and other medications. The adverse effects listed are important and common ones that patients might experience; every possible adverse effect is not included. Long-term adverse effects, like secondary malignancy and infertility, are discussed for those drugs whose risk is well defined.